A delegation from Sierra Leone, led by the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, recently signed Hungary’s first Joint Economic Commission in Budapest, marking a significant step toward strengthening economic cooperation and mutual solidarity. President Bio’s attempts to advance economic diplomacy and fortify relations between the two nations have reached a significant turning point with the agreement. During their visit to Budapest, the delegation, led by Hon. Musa Timothy Kabba, participated in several fruitful meetings, conversations, and business forums. During their visit, the delegation met with representatives from the private sector, institutions, and important stakeholders to position Sierra Leone as a top investment destination with plenty of commercial opportunities and a stable political climate.
The delegation’s meeting with the ANY Security and Printing Company and the Hungarian Water Partnership was one of the trip’s highlights. To address Sierra Leone’s problems with counterfeit and forged documents, discussions centred on investigating possible alliances in the printing and security sectors. Opportunities for cooperation in environmental and water management projects were offered by the Hungarian Water Partnership, an internationally renowned supplier of creative water solutions.
The delegation was also present at the inaugural meeting of the Joint Economic and Technical Commission, which was held on April 11, 2024, the official signing day of the agreement. High-ranking representatives from both nations, including H.E. Peter Szijjarto and H.E. Musa Timothy Kabba, were present at the signing ceremony.
The delegation attended several events during their stay, such as talks with senior government officials, a business forum at the HEPA Hungarian Export Promotion Agency, and meetings with Hungarian parliamentarians. Representatives from a range of ministries and industries made up the delegation, demonstrating a thorough approach to promoting economic cooperation between Hungary and Sierra Leone. Identifying trade and investment opportunities, strengthening cooperation in water management and technology development, and investigating partnerships with the ANY Security Printing Company were among the main topics of discussion during the visit. The delegation also underlined the importance of scholarships for students majoring in water engineering, science, and ICT to further develop bilateral relations between the two nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will form a task force to pursue the action items noted during the visit, with an emphasis on technology transfer and high-tech development along with economic, trade, and investment cooperation. All things considered, Sierra Leone and Hungary’s signing of the Joint Economic Commission represents a dedication to strengthening economic relations and promoting shared prosperity. The visit emphasized the two nations’ common goals and ideals, opening the door for more cooperation and partnerships in a range of fields. In summary, the delegation’s trip to Hungary demonstrated the value of economic diplomacy in advancing both sustainable development and international relations. The signed agreement sets the stage for a new era of cooperation between Sierra Leone and Hungary, with a focus on mutual benefit and shared prosperity.
